Safer Town’s scheme

There are four Safer Towns partnerships already in existence – in St Austell, Newquay, Truro and Penzance – but from April this will be extended to include Falmouth, Bodmin, Camborne, Redruth, Liskeard and Saltash.

The PCC has committed £50,000 to kick start the extended programme.

Following the successful model which is already operating these towns will have a more focused partnership response to local community safety issues, aiming to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in a coordinated, evidence-based response.

Safer Towns will provide a partnership response to local community safety issues, aiming to reduce crime/anti-social behaviour and will allow for a coordinated response in the local areas.

The work in each Safer Town will be informed by a Local Town Profile and driven through a detailed action plan. The Safer Towns will be accountable to the Safer Cornwall Partnership.

“I applaud the community safety partnership and its partnership approach to deal with community safety based issues relating to street drinking and drugs and street attachment,” said Ms Hernandez.

“A significant amount of work has already gone on in St Austell, Penzance and Truro involving agencies, town councils and businesses and I am encouraged by the way businesses and charitable groups have joined statutory partners to find solutions.

“I hope the money I am giving will be used by each group to aid practical initiatives and innovation.”

“This investment is focused on particular towns but its benefit will be felt throughout Cornwall.”

Chief Fire Officer Paul Walker, said: “We are delighted to accept this additional support from the PCC for Cornwall’s innovative Safer Towns approach. At the very core of the safer towns principles are our focus on people and place.

“Through our multi-disciplinary partnership work we are able to bring together a wealth of knowledge, experience and powers to provide a response to what can be very complex challenges.

“This is another example of our close working with partners to address antisocial behaviour and wider community safety issues. I am confident this proven partnership approach will deliver positive outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors to Cornwall.”

Chief Superintendent Jim Pearce, the police commander for Cornwall, said: “The Safer Towns project is an excellent initiative bringing local leaders, Cornwall Council, the police and local businesses together with a common purpose – to make our communities safer.

“We have seen some really positive progress in Penzance and St Austell over the past few months and our local police teams will be fully engaged in this work as we go forward. “

About the Author

Simon,
Research & Information Officer,
Amethyst, Community Safety Team